KUALA LUMPUR – A brief commotion broke out in the Dewan Rakyat today after Teresa Kok (Seputeh-PH) labelled residents of Terengganu’s PAS-held Dungun as “conservative”.
This triggered several PAS lawmakers to voice their dissatisfaction, with one demanding that Kok withdraw her remark, but this was immediately dismissed by Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun.
The tumult broke out during Ministers’ Question Time, when Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (Arau-BN) was responding to queries from Wan Hassan Mohd Ramli (Dungun-PAS) on the sale of liquor at Kuala Lumpur stores.
In her supplementary question, Kok indicated that the issue does not involve those in Dungun.
KL is the capital city of Malaysia. It has a diverse society and is the face of the country. It is not like the conservative society of Dungun.”
Several MPs from the Islamist party immediately stood up to counter her, with Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (Kuala Krai-PAS) saying Dungun is also part of Malaysia.
Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Awang Hashim (Pendang-PAS) later urged Kok to withdraw her comment, which he said imputes improper motives to another member of the House, citing Standing Order 36(6).
Azhar ruled that there was no insult made.
Earlier, Shahidan said the Kuala Lumpur City Council’s decision to postpone the ban on liquor sales at Chinese medicine halls and grocery and convenience stores from October 1 to 31 was made after discussions with all stakeholders.
This includes obtaining the views and appeals by the Malaysian Liquor Manufacture and Bottler Association and Malaya Liquor Traders’ Association, he said.
Shahidan said, however, that the ban is necessary to ensure the safety of non-drinkers, and that those who wish to consume liquor can still make purchases from premises like bars, pubs, hotels and grocery stores dedicated to selling alcohol.
“What we don’t allow is the open selling of liquor at public places as we don’t know where they (consumers) will drink, and we are afraid this could affect others.”
Kok said the ban will only lead to higher demand in the black market, and asked if the minister will again discuss the matter with interested parties.
She said it will also hurt small entrepreneurs operating Chinese medicine halls.
Shahidan replied: “We must not think only of the traders, but consumers as well. This is Keluarga Malaysia, and we respect both Muslims and non-Muslims.” – The Vibes, October 7, 2021
